Method and apparatus for measurement of the fluorescence relaxation period of a fluorescent substance

ABSTRACT

The subject of the present invention consists of a method and an apparatus for measurement of the fluorescence relaxation period of the radiation of a fluorescent substance whose fluorescence relaxation period is a function of at least one physical parameter. The fluorescence radiation is fed back to the output radiation in a regulating circuit, whose regulating parameter is a parameter for the physical parameter. This is accomplished by advancing the fluorescence radiation to a photoelectric receiver whose output signals are supplied to a voltage controlled oscillator following phase-sensitive rectification and integration. The fluorescence radiation is alternately phase-sensitively rectified only during the relaxation phase. The total durations of the different rectification periods in the two directions are identical. The alternatingly rectified signals are integrated.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation in part of our copending application Ser. No. 07/284,719 now abandoned which in turn is a division of copending application Ser. No. 07/018,248 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,687.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and to apparatuses for measurement of the fluorescence relaxation period of the radiation of a fluorescent substance whose fluorescence relaxation period is dependent upon at least one physical parameter, in which the substance is subjected to radiation that is repeated at intervals of time, the radiation producing fluorescence radiation which is advanced to a photoelectric receiver whose output signals are phase-sensitively rectified and integrated and influence the regulating parameter of a regulating circuit, whose regulating parameter is a parameter for the physical parameter.

A fiber optic temperature sensor is known in which the fluorescent radiation is excited by a sinusoidally modulated radiator. The signal that is obtained from the delayed fluorescent light is fed back to the control means of the modulator via a timing element. The frequency to be set in the self-exciting oscillation circuit is a function of the fluorescence relaxation period, and thus of all physical parameters that influence this period (German Disclosed Patent Application No. 3,202,089). If the output signal of the photoelectric receiver is integrated during the excitation phase and the relaxation phase of the fluorescence radiation, measures are required for suppression of the crosstalk of the excitation source and for control of the curve of the excitation over time. It is necessary for optical filters and electronic stray light compensation means to be employed.

It is the object of the present invention to further develop a method of the type described at the outset for measurement of the physical parameter in such a manner as to eliminate impairment of the measurement accuracy as a result of crosstalk of an excitation channel, as a result of D.C. drifts, and as a result of slowly changing losses on a transmission link.

It is also one object of the present invention to make available a fluorescent substance, whose fluorescence decay time depends on a physical quantity and which has a distinct temperature-dependent fluorescence decay time. The substance shall also be simple to produce and, within permissible error limits, be homogeneous with reference to the ion concentration affecting the decay time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, this object is solved in that the fluorescence radiation is alternately phase-sensitively rectified only during the relaxation phase, in that the total periods of the differing rectification periods in the two different directions are identical, in that the alternately phase-sensitively rectified signals are integrated, and in that the sum of the integrals influences the oscillation of an oscillation circuit which generates the radiation in both directions, with the fluorescence radiation being fed back to the radiation.

A further solution of the object according to the present invention is to emit the radiation in the form of an oscillation having a uniform or virtually uniform frequency, to alternately phase-sensitively rectify the fluorescence radiation only during the relaxation phase, and to have the regulating parameter consist of the relative durations of at least two rectification periods in both different directions, which are altered in such a manner that the sum of the integrals in both directions is zero or virtually zero.

The difficulties that exist in the prior art can be eliminated if the output signal of the photoelectric receiver is phase-sensitively rectified and integrated only outside the excitation phases of the fluorescence radiation. The method according to the present invention is thus crosstalk-neutral. The effort that is required in order to eliminate the influence of crosstalk is greatly reduced. A further particular advantage of the present invention is the fact that slowly changing losses on an optical waveguide link are eliminated.

In an especially practical embodiment of the present invention, clock pulses of uniform or virtually uniform frequency are counted during a period of the oscillation and are compared with stipulated values for the excitation phase and the rectification periods for the purpose of generating control signals, with the durations of the rectification periods being decreased or increased as a function of the positive or negative result of the integration and then outputted. The time at which rectification is reversed is a clear function of the relaxation period. This can easily be determined if the interrelationship that exists between the relaxation period and a physical parameter that is to be measured is known.

Although it is especially advantageous to employ the teachings according to the present invention for fiber optic temperature sensors, it should be understood that the employment of the present invention is not restricted to this specific application.

A device to measure the fluorescence decay time of radiation emitting from a fluorescent substance, whose fluorescence decay time depends on at least one physical quantity, in that the substance is exposed to radiation repeated at specified time intervals and emits fluorescent radiation transmitted to a photoelectric receiver whose output signals are a measure of the physical quantity, with the fluorescent substance forming a probe placed at the end of a light wave conductor through which at least part of the fluorescent radiation is transmitted to the photoelectric receiver-characterized in that the fluorescent substance consists of one crystal or a pulverized single crystal doped with isoelectronic impurities V²⁺, Cr³⁺ or Mn⁴⁺. In particular, the crystal consists of Cr³⁺ :Y₃ Al₅ O₁₂ or Cr³⁺ :Al₂ O₃. In order to minimize radiation losses, the probe has a cross-section adapted to that of the light wave conductor.

Thus, the probe has a cross-section corresponding to that of the light wave conductor to which it is attached. For example, the cross-section can be circular, polygonal, elliptical or any other convenient shape.

According to another proposal, the end of the probe remote from the light wave conductor is roof-shaped. This has the advantage that the luminescent intensity coupled into the light wave conductor is increased by up to 70%. This, in turn, means that the measuring accuracy is higher when the physical quantity is determined.

A fluorescent material is preferably a chromium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), where the chromium concentration may be between 1 and 10 at %.

According to another proposal, at least the probe surface remote from the light wave conductor is covered with a reflecting layer, such layer preferably reflecting radiation in the wavelength range between 600 nm and 800 nm. The reflecting layer can be used both on a roof-shaped probe and on a plane-faced probe. The intensity of the luminescent radiation coupled into the light wave conductor is recognizably increased by such layer. A dielectric layer or a metallic layer can be used as reflective material. For example, an aluminum layer can be used for this purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above discussed and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description thereof, when taken in connection with the practical examples shown in the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows a block schematic diagram of an apparatus for measurement of the fluorescence relaxation period of a fluorescent substance;

FIG. 2 shows a time diagram of the signals at the output of a photoelectric receiver of the apparatus according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a time diagram of the signals at the output of a phase-sensitive rectifier according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the design of the circuitry of a phase-sensitive rectifier;

FIG. 5 shows a time diagram of control signals for switches in the phase-sensitive rectifier;

FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of another embodiment of an apparatus for measurement of the fluorescence relaxation period of a fluorescent substance; and

FIG. 7 shows a time diagram of control signals for switches according to the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6; and

FIGS. 8a through 8d show time diagrams of the integrator output signals for various luminescence relaxation periods for each of the arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6,

FIG. 9a shows a section of a light wave conductor with a probe arranged at the face end,

FIG. 9b shows a top view of the probe,

FIG. 10 shows a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a probe,

FIG. 11 shows a view of a second embodiment of a probe,

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a crystal to be cut into slices,

FIG. 13 shows a top view of a crystal slice to be cut as shown in FIG. 12 and

FIG. 14 shows a top view of another embodiment of a probe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the case of simple exponential relaxations, the intensity curve over time following excitation can be described by means of the following equation:

    I(t)=Io e.sup.-t/τ,

where I is the intensity of the radiation, Io the original intensity thereof and τ the luminescence relaxation period.

It is not possible to suppress the D.C. drift by means of phase-sensitive rectification, e.g. with symmetrical intervals of time ΔT, as can be seen from the following inequation: ##EQU1##

Modified, alternating, phase-sensitive rectification in accordance with the following relationship represents a surprisingly simple possibility for eliminating the influence of crosstalk and the influence of D.C. drifts: ##EQU2## if the following relationship exists between T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄ and ΔT:

    T.sub.2 =T.sub.1 +n.sub.1 ΔT;

    T.sub.3 =T.sub.2 +n.sub.2 ΔT;

    T.sub.4 =T.sub.3 +n.sub.3 ΔT;

where

    n.sub.1 +n.sub.3 =n.sub.2.

n₁, n₂ and n₃ are factors that permit differentiation between the respective periods of time as a multiple of interval of time ΔT. Thus, rectification is performed alternately in different directions in a phase-sensitive manner during the relaxation phase of the fluorescence radiation. This produces rectification periods n₁ ΔT and n₃ ΔT in the one direction, or polarity, and n₂ ΔT in the other. The total durations of the rectification periods in each of the two directions must be identical.

For example, where

    n.sub.1 =1;

    n.sub.2 =3;

    n.sub.3 =2;

in the steady state, with an oscillation period that coincides with interval of time T, it is then found that:

    T=-1n(1/2(√5-1))×τ≈0.481×τ.

Other combinations of n₁, n₂ and n₃ are also possible, whereby the condition must be observed that n₁ +n₂ +n₃. In the case of signals which relax in a strictly monotonous manner, it would be necessary to appropriately adapt clock pulse relationships n₁ :n₂ :n₃.

Referring now to the drawings, where like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an example of the basic design of a fiber optic temperature sensor, in which the luminescence relaxation period is analyzed through the employment of alternating, phase-sensitive rectification, without sophisticated measures for suppression of crosstalk in the excitation channel.

A light emitting diode (LED) 1 is supplied periodically with operating voltage by means of a switch 2. Through optical means that are not described in more detail, for example, the radiation that is emitted from LED 1 is coupled into an optical waveguide, to one end of which a luminescent substance is applied. Optical means, optical waveguide and luminescent substance correspond to the arrangement that is illustrated in German Disclosed Patent Application No. 3,202,089, for example. The luminescent light that is radiated from the substance is advanced to a photoelectric receiver 4, e.g. a photodiode, via the optical waveguide and a radiation divider 3.

The signal U_(PD) that is illustrated in FIG. 2 is available at the output of photoelectric receiver 4. This signal then enters a phase-sensitive rectifier 5, which is controlled by a logic circuit 6, which also controls switch 2, which is preferably of contactless design. Phase-sensitive rectifier 5 is followed by an integrator 7, to which a scan and hold circuit 8 is connected, which is also controlled by means of logic circuit 6. Connected with scan and hold circuit 8 is the control input of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 9, whose output is connected to an input of logic circuit 6. Logic circuit 6 thus completes a control circuit, whose control parameter is the frequency of the oscillation of the radiation that is influenced by the VCO, which serves as the control element.

FIG. 4 shows the basic design of phase-sensitive rectifier 5. The output signal U_(PD) from photoelectric receiver 4 is applied to the input of a preamplifier 10, whose output supplies a non-inverting amplifier 11 and an inverting amplifier 12. The output of non-inverting amplifier 11 is connected with two, preferably contactless switches 13, 14. Connected to the output of inverting amplifier 12 are two, preferably contactless switches 15, 16. Switches 13, 15 are connected with the non-inverting input of a differential amplifier 17, whose inverting input is connected with switches 14, 16. The non-inverting and the inverting inputs of differential amplifier 17 can each be applied to a grounding potential by means of switches 18, 19 respectively. Preamplifier 10 is a low-noise transimpedance amplifier. Signal U_(PH), whose curve over time is illustrated in FIG. 3, is available at the output of differential amplifier 17. Switches 13 through 16 and 18, 19 are controlled by logic circuit 6. Switches 18, 19 are closed during the excitation phase. Switches 18, 19 are open during the relaxation phase. The closing time of switch 2 stipulates the duration of the excitation pulse.

As opposed to phase-sensitive rectification, with equally long, directly sequential addition and subtraction phases, with which zero balancing is not possible within the control circuit outside the excitation phase in the case of a strictly monotonous received signal U_(PD) following integration of the output signal of the phase-sensitive rectifier U_(PH), according to the present invention, this zero balancing is achieved in that an addition and a subtraction phase of differing lengths are again followed by an addition phase, whereby only the total duration of the two addition phases coincides with the duration of the subtraction phase, a condition that is required for elimination of D.C. drifts of input signal U_(PD). The respective durations of the addition and subtraction phases are determined by the position of switches 13 through 16 and 18, 19, which are controlled by a logic circuit. In the case of a signal having simple exponential relaxation, a clock pulse ratio of 1:3:2 would be suitable. However, the present invention is not restricted to this type of signal, but also permits analysis of more complex monotonously relaxing signals through appropriately adapted clock pulse relationships n₁ :n₂ :n₃.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the positions of switches 13 through 16 and 18, 19, which are controlled by logic circuit 6, for the above-mentioned combination of n₁ =1, n₂ =3 and n₃ =2 in a time diagram. During the excitation phase (switch 2 closed), the inputs of differential amplifier 17 are applied to zero potential by means of switches 18 and 19. Following phase-sensitive rectification, signal U_(PH) is integrated in integrator 7 and then, during the excitation phase, assumed by scan and hold circuit 8, whose output signal controls voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 9. In the steady state, the oscillation period ΔT is proportional to the relaxation period τ. The interrelationship that exists between ΔT and τ is determined by clock pulse combination n₁, n₂ and n₃. For the above-indicated example, where n₁ =1, n₂ =3 and n₃ =2, it will be found that ΔT≈0.481×τ.

In FIG. 5, the pulses from voltage controlled oscillator 9 are denoted 20.

Switches 13 and 16, on the one hand, and 15 and 14, on the other, are either simultaneously open or closed. After switches 18, 19 open, switches 13, 16 are first closed for the rectification period that is determined by ΔT. Switches 13, 16 are then opened, while switches 15, 14 are closed for the rectification period that is determined by n₂ ×ΔT. Switches 15, 14 are then opened, with switches 13, 16 again being closed for the rectification period that is determined by n₃ ×ΔT. An excitation phase then commences when switch 2 closes.

In logic circuit 6, a counter which receives clock pulses from VCO 9 is preferably employed in conjunction with a demultiplexer in order to control the analog CMOS switch. In the case of the above-indicated clock pulse combination, the counter is reset after every eight clock pulses. It is also practical for logic circuit 6 to be able to be implemented with a μP.

The oscillation circuit is completed by means of logic circuit 6. Logic circuit 6 scales the frequency of voltage controlled oscillator 9, which oscillates at a higher frequency, for example, down to the frequency of the oscillation, which consists of an excitation phase and a relaxation phase, that is definitive for the closing time and the opening time of switch 2. The closing times of switches 13, 16 and 14, 15 each stipulate a rectification period, with one polarity being determined by switches 13, 16 and the other by switches 14, 15.

The output signal from integrator 7 is inputted to scan and hold circuit 8 at the end of the last phase-sensitive rectification period in a relaxation phase.

The rectification periods extend over at least the duration of one oscillation, i.e. oscillation period ΔT. Rectification periods that are longer than the oscillation period of VCO 9 extend over multiples of these oscillation periods.

Instead of the apparatus that was illustrated in FIG. 1, it is also possible to employ the apparatus that is shown in FIG. 6. Like the apparatus according to FIG. 1, the apparatus according to FIG. 6 also includes a light emitting diode 1 and a switch 2 which controls light emitting diode 1, with diode 1 being connected with an operating voltage, i.e. with a pole 21 of a voltage source, when switch 2 is actuated. The radiation that is emitted by diode 1 is coupled into an optical waveguide 23 through optical means 22; applied to the other end of optical waveguide 23 is a luminescent substance, which preferably consists of a sensor crystal of Cr³⁺ :Y₃ Al₅ O₁₂ or Cr³⁺ :Al₂ O₃. It is practical for crystals to be employed that are doped with isoelectric impurities V²⁺, Cr³⁺ or Mn⁴⁺. By means of combined doping with trivalent ions from the rare earth group, it is possible to achieve a luminescence relaxation period that is greatly dependent upon temperature as a result of the energy transfer between the different rare earth ions (e.g. Nd³⁺ and Yb³⁺), although the relaxation periods of the individual, isolated rare earth ions do not display any pronounced temperature dependency.

The radiation that emanates from the luminescent substance is advanced through optical waveguide 23, optical means 22 and a radiation divider 3, as well as through a filter 24, to a photoelectric receiver 4, which is followed by a preamplifier 10. Preamplifier 10 is preferably a constituent part of the phase-sensitive rectifier, as is illustrated in FIG. 4. In order to enhance understanding, FIG. 6 again schematically illustrates a phase-sensitive rectifier 25, which then does not include preamplifier 10. Rectifier 25 supplies an integrator 7, which is followed by a discriminator 26, which outputs sign-dependent binary signals, e.g. ±1, as a function of the polarity of the input signals, for example. A logic circuit 27 is connected with discriminator 26; in addition, logic circuit 27 is also supplied from an oscillator 28, which generates a sequence of clock pulses of constant frequency f_(o) or virtually constant frequency. The clock pulses are applied to the counting inputs of a first counter 29 and a second counter 30, which is connected to an output circuit 31, at which a value is available that corresponds to the physical parameter. Logic circuit 27 controls the switches of phase-sensitive rectifier 25, i.e. switches 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19 and switch 2, in the manner shown in FIG. 7. There is a fixed periodicity interval T'₄, at the end of which counter 29 is reset. The excitation phase is denoted T'₁. Excitation phase T'₁ is followed by a pause T'₂, during which switch 2 is open, while switches 17 and 19 are closed, as they also are during the excitation phase. Pause T'₂ is followed by an integration period, during which positive integration takes place.

In the method that is practiced with the arrangement according to FIG. 4, the excitation phase time is also present, although it is not expressly specified. Above-mentioned time T₁ is a pause that corresponds to pause T₂ in the arrangement according to FIG. 6. In the arrangement that is illustrated in FIG. 6, above-indicated time T₂ for positive integration corresponds to a time T₂ '+T_(x). Above-mentioned time T₃ for negative integration corresponds to a time T₂ '+T_(x) +T₃ '. In the case of the above-described practical example, this is followed by a time T₄ for positive integration, which corresponds to time T₂ '+2T₃ ' in accordance with the arrangement that is illustrated in FIG. 6. The arrangement according to FIG. 6 operates with precisely stipulated period T₄ '.

The apparatus that is illustrated in FIG. 6 operates in the following manner:

The logic circuit effects control with the aid of oscillator 28, which oscillates at a fixed frequency f_(o), and counter 29, which is reset again at the end of periodicity interval T₄ ', by comparing the counter value, having stipulated values T₁ ', T₂ ', T₃ ' and T₄ ', with variable value T_(x), which is formed in counter 30, the position of the switches of phase-sensitive rectifier 25, and thus the excitation, pauses and rectification (cf. FIG. 7), as well as of switch 2. A regulating circuit is completed in a highly simple manner in that parameter T_(x) is increased or decreased by a value of 1, in accordance with the sign of the voltage at the output of integrator 7, upon completion of the integration phase, which is determined at discriminator 26. In the case of three rectifying periods, the times at which the rectifications are reversed are set in such a manner that the total of the integrals equals zero.

The count of counter 29 is increased by clock pulses of uniform frequency f_(o), where ##EQU3## When count n₄ =T₄ '/ΔT is reached, which corresponds to period duration T₄ ', the counter is reset to a value of zero. The count of counter 29 is compared with the count of counter 30 in order to set switches 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19. Relationships n₁ =T₁ '/ΔT, n₂ =T₂ '/ΔT, n₃ =T₃ '/ΔT and n_(x) =T_(x) /ΔT apply for counts n₁, n₂, n₃ and n_(x).

The excitation phase corresponds to a count of o<n<n₁, the pauses correspond to a count of n₁ <n<n₂ or n₂ +2n₃ <n<n₄. Positive integration is performed as long as the count satisfies the condition where n₂ <n<n₂ +n_(x) or n₂ +n_(x) +n₃ <n<n₂ <2n₃, while negative integration is performed if count n₂ +n_(x) <n<n₂ +n_(x) +n₃.

In the case of the arrangement that is illustrated in FIG. 6, the count of counter 30 is altered at the end of each period T₄ ' as a function of the sign of the output voltage of integrator 7 if frequency f_(o) remains uniform and period ΔT thus remains constant. In the simplest case, count n_(x) is increased by a value of 1 if the output voltage of integrator 7 is positive, while it is decreased by a value of 1 in the event of a negative output voltage. Consequently, adaptation is effected throughout the duration of the positive and negative integration periods where period T₄ ' remains uniform. There is a clear interrelationship between the count at which the rectification is reversed in each instance and the relaxation period.

In order to improve dynamic behavior, the regulating concept can be replaced by the following adaptive regulating concept.

Better regulating behavior can be achieved by means of the adaptive regulating concept, in which the number S of preceding periods determines the change Δn_(x) of count n_(x) of counter 30 without any change in the polarity of the integrator output voltage. Thus, for example, the count is altered in the following manner for the following number of periods S: ##EQU4##

The count parameter T_(x) that is obtained thereby is a clear function of the relaxation period and can easily be converted if there is a known interrelationship between the relaxation period and the physical parameter that is to be measured.

The values for clock pulse frequency f_(o) and parameters T₁ ', T₂ ', T₃ ' and T₄ ' are a function of the relaxation period and the required resolution (cf. example).

The pauses are employed for suppression of measurement errors as a result of the finite rise time of the preamplifier.

Logic circuit 27 can be implemented by means of discrete components, e.g. counters, comparators and logic gates, or with the aid of a microprocessor.

Preferred values are indicated in the following example:

Relaxation period: τ200 μS-2 ms

Clock pulse frequency: f_(o) =10 MHz

Clock pulse period: ΔT, of oscillator 28=0.1 μS

Excitation phases: 1 ms; n₁ =10,000

Pause: 50 μS; n₂ =10,500

Integration period: 1 ms; n₃ '=10,000 n₄ =31,000

Resolution when τ=200 μS ##EQU5##

Resolution when τ=2 ms ##EQU6##

The methods that are described above operate independently of the D.C. voltage at the output of preamplifier 10; i.e. A.C. coupling can be employed, with which the errors that are inherent in D.C. coupling can be avoided.

In the case of simple, exponentially relaxing signals, transit time effects that occur with optical waveguide links of differing lengths can not affect the measurement, and thus the analysis (for example: 1 km optical waveguide=10 μs delay).

FIG. 8a shows excitation pulses (dashed) in the ordinate and the integrator output signal I as a function of time t, which is shown in the abscissa, for a first luminescence relaxation period τ₁. In FIG. 8b, integrator output voltage I is shown in the ordinate as a function of time t in the abscissa for luminescence relaxation period τ₂ <τ₁. Times T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ are shown in both figures, with positive integration being denoted by means of a "+" and negative integration by means of a "-" in each case. It can be seen that the period T₁ to T₄ is also smaller where τ₂ <τ₁. In FIGS. 8c and d, in the same manner, integrator output signals 1 are shown in the ordinate and time t in the abscissa for both luminescence relaxation periods τ₁ and τ₂, with times T₂ ', T₃ ' and T_(x) being entered on the abscissa along with a reference to the polarity of the integration. As can be seen from FIGS. 8c and 8d, there is a change in the relationships of the positive and negative integration periods with uniform T₂ '+2T₃ '.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, the relative duration of at least two rectification periods in different directions is employed as the regulating parameter and is influenced in such a manner that the result of the integration will be as small as possible, for instance zero, at the end of the period of an oscillation.

It is also possible to alter all three rectification periods.

E.g.: Positive rectification where n₂ <n<n₂ +n_(x) or n₂ +4n_(x) <n<n₂ +6n_(x), Negative rectification where n₂ +n_(x) <n<n₂ +4n_(x) Pause where n₂ +6n_(x) 21 n<n₄.

FIG. 9a illustrates one section of a light wave conductor (32), with a sensor (34) attached to its face area. The connection between light wave conductor (32), which may have a circular cross-section, and sensor (34) may be provided by glass solder, optical adhesives, or the like. The sensor may consist of a chromium ion-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Cr:YAG) and have a shape as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. For example, sensor (34) consists of a base section (35) or (36) having the shape of a square or a cylinder. This section carries reference mark (33) as indicated in FIG. 9a. Base section (35) or (36) passes into roof-shaped section (37) or (38), which in FIG. 9a carries reference mark (39). The roof shape is symmetrical so that a top view shows a symmetry line (40). The sides of roof section (37) or (38) include a 90° angle.

This measure has the advantage of enhancing the reflective intensity of fluorescent radiation so that, consequently, the fluorescence decay time can be determined more accurately. This, in turn, means that a higher accuracy in measuring the physical quantity is achieved.

Typical dimensions of a probe (33) with a square cross-section are: length L=150-800 μm, depth T-150-800 μm (depending on type of light wave conductor) and height H of roof-shaped section (37) 100-600 μm. The overall height of the probe may be in the order of 2.5 mm (depending on the exciting wavelength and concentration of dope ions; for example, for Cr:YAG with a chromium ion concentration of 2 at % and an exciting wavelength of 600 nm, the overall height is 2.5 mm).

FIG. 10 shows a four-sided rectilinear polygon shaped member, the two oppositely located sides intersecting in a plane defining an angle, alpha, wherein the planes are directed to the base of the polygon shaped crystal.

FIG. 11 shows a probe having cylindrical shape, the base of the cylinder being at a 90° angle with respect to the main axis of the cylinder, the opposite end defined by two semi-circular shaped planes intersecting to form an angle defining two oppositely directed planes which are directed towards the base of the cylinder.

FIG. 14 is a top view of another embodiment of a probe (42). This consists of a cylindrical base section (corresponding to section (36) in FIG. 11) and an external roof-shaped section composed of several surfaces (43, 44, 45, 46) and (47) intersecting at the longitudinal axis of the probe. Each surface, together with the side wall of the base section, includes an angle of preferably 135°.

In making probes (33) as described above, preferably a single crystal (40) is cut into slices of thickness D, as illustrated in FIG. 12, where the thickness may be approximately 150-800 μm (thickness of slice=length of base section). The slices so obtained, of which one example is illustrated in FIG. 13 and identified with reference mark (41), are then sawed into square blocks, so that by subsequent grinding and further treatment the special geometries may for instance be obtained as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The base area of probe (33) and therefore also of base sections (35) and (36) is adapted to the cross-section of light wave conductor (32). This arrangement reduces losses of light. And this, in turn, means that the measuring accuracy increases the values measured by the device embodied by the invention.

The advantage achieved by the roof shaped configuration of the probe is that the luminenscence intensity to be coupled into the light wave conductor is increased thereby. For this purpose, the surfaces forming the roof should be positioned so that a retroreflector results. This means that, for example, in a form corresponding to the FIGS. 10 and 11 the inclination of the respective roof surface to the longitudinal axis of the light wave conductor is 45°. Consequently, the total angle between the surfaces is 90°.

If the probes consist of single crystals grown by the Czochralski crystal-pulling method and Cr:YAG is used as a fluorescent substance, the chromium ion concentration may be in the order of 2 to 5 at %.

However, there is also a way of obtaining fluorescent substances like Cr:YAG from pulverized start material. To do so, the fluorescent material, consisting of stoichiometrically weighed start materials like Cr₂ O₃, Al₂ O₃ and Y₂ O₃, is tempered for about 24 hours at a temperature of approximately 1400 degrees to obtain the desired homogeneity of the crystal powder. There is at the same time a chromium ion concentration of up to 10 at %.

The crystal probe can be in the form of a pulverized crystal doped with impurities. For example, the pulverized crystals can be inserted into a capillary tube, which in return is mounted on a light wave guide. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the capillary tubes is adjusted to the outer diameter of the light wave guide. It is not necessary to hold together the pulverized crystals with a binding agent or similar material.

The capillary tube itself can be joined and connected to the beam waveguides, for example, by means of a glass solder or other suitable adhesive.

If a probe having a square base area is attached to a light wave conductor (32) of circular cross-section,--which is an advantage in making the probe--the ratio of diameter 2R of the light wave conductor to edge length A of the sensor having the shape of a square block is, according to the invention, taken to be 2R: A=1.093. This yields a maximum geometric coupling factor of 0.8311. This coupling factor is the product of the loss factor at the interface of the light wave conductor and the sensor having the shape of a square block, and the loss factor at the interface of sensor and light wave conductor.

Finally, the face of a probe may be provided with a reflective layer (48) in order to couple a higher amount of luminescent radiation into the light wave conductor. This reflective layer (48) may be provided on a probe that may have either a plane or a roof-shaped face. Layer (48) preferably reflects radiation in the wavelength range of 600 nm to 800 nm.

The present invention has been described above on the basis of preferred practical examples thereof. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It should therefore be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. In particular, individual characteristics of the invention can be employed individually or in combination one with the other. 

We claim:
 1. A device to measure the fluorescence decay time of radiation emitting from a fluorescent substance, whose fluorescence decay time depends on at least one physical quantity, in that the substance is exposed to radiation repeated at specified time intervals and produces fluorescent radiation transmitted to a photoelectric receiver whose output signals are a measure of the physical quantity, with the fluorescent substance forming a probe placed at the end of a light wave conductor through which at least part of the fluorescent radiation is transmitted to the photoelectric receiver, wherein the probe has a roof-shaped end remote from the light wave conductor and is in direct contact with said light wave conductor, and said fluorescent substance shaped as a crystal or a pulverized single crystal consists of Cr³⁺ :Y₃ Al₅ O₁₂ wherein said roof shaped end is defined by oppositely located intersecting planes defining an angle.
 2. Device according to claim 1, where the probe has a cross-section adapted to that of the light wave conductor.
 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the probe is shaped as a square block whose face has the form of a peaked roof.
 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the surfaces of the probe sides remote from the light wave conductor include an angle of 90 degrees.
 5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the surfaces of the probe sides remote from the light wave conductor include an angle of 90 degrees.
 6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the grain size of the pulverized single crystal is less than 40 μm.
 7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the probe surface remote from the light wave conductor is covered with a reflective layer.
 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the reflective layer reflects radiation in the wavelength range between 600 nm and 800 nm.
 9. A device to measure the fluorescence decay time of radiation emitting from a fluorescent substance, whose fluorescence decay time depends on at least one physical quantity, in that the substance is exposed to radiation repeated at specified time intervals and produces fluorescent radiation transmitted to a photoelectric receiver whose output signals are a measure of the physical quantity, with the fluorescent substance forming a probe adapted to be placed at the end of a light wave conductor through which at least part of the fluorescent radiation is transmitted to the photoelectric receiver, characterized in that the fluorescent substance is in direct contact with said light wave conductor and consists of a crystal or a pulverized single crystal doped with isoelectronic impurities V²⁺, Cr³⁺ or Mn⁴⁺, said probe having an roof-shaped end remote from the light wave conductor with surfaces of said end remote from the light wave conductor including an angle of 90 degrees and said fluorescent substance is in direct contact with said light wave conductor.
 10. A device to measure the fluorescence decay time of radiation emitting from a fluorescent substance, whose fluorescence decay time depends on at least one physical quantity, in that the substance is exposed to radiation repeated at specified time intervals and produces fluorescent radiation transmitted to a photoelectric receiver whose output signals are a measure of the physical quantity, with the fluorescent substance forming a probe placed at the end of a light wave conductor through which at least part of the fluorescent radiation is transmitted to the photoelectric receiver, wherein the probe having an roof-shaped end remote from the light wave conductor and being in direct contact with said light wave conductor, and said fluorescent substance shaped as a crystal or a pulverized single crystal consists of Cr³⁺ :Al₂ O₃ wherein said roof shaped end is defined by oppositely located intersecting planes defining an angle. 